Slay verdict ‘bittersweet’

Jeweler’s kin still scared

A family member of a Midtown jeweler killed by a hit man 13 years ago called the recent conviction of the gangster who ordered the death “bittersweet” and said she is still frightened for her own life.

The niece of murdered Diamond District jeweler Eduard Nektalov told The Post she was in Manhattan federal court last Friday when Hector Rivera was found guilty for having him killed in broad daylight.

“It was sad because, going through this whole trial, we had to relive what we went through back then, losing an uncle at 46 in such a scary way,” said the niece, who insisted on being identified only as Danielle for fear of retaliation, since the feds’ cooperating witness is still free.

“He’s still out. He’s still at large,” she said, visibly shaken.

On the other hand, she said the family is relieved Rivera — a “Diamond District Don” known for shaking down merchants — faces life in prison at his sentencing on April 11, as reported by The Post on Sunday.

“We were happy that justice was served and this guy is no longer going to be a danger to anyone,” Danielle said.

The court heard that Nektalov was gunned down on Sixth Avenue, steps from his business, because he had refused to “buy” a pair of $80,000 diamond earrings that had been stolen from his shop.

“That he had to die for something so small — the price that they killed him for, this whole situation, was so minute,” his niece said. “It was really just a shame. I think it was more ego related — a bunch of male egos — than anything else.”

She said Nektalov helped establish the Bukharian Jewish Community Center in Forest Hills, Queens, and has a dedication in his name next to the ark containing the Torah scrolls.